Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed concern over the detention of Sandra Muhoza in Burundi, a sentiment echoed by her loved ones. According to the organization, Muhoza, who works for the news website Nova Burundi, was arrested on Saturday, April 13th, while attending a professional meeting and was taken to the premises of the intelligence services. RSF reports that Muhoza is still being held there as part of an investigation.
This latest arrest comes one year after the detention of Floriane Irangabiye. The young journalist was sentenced to ten years in prison officially for “endangering state security” in January 2023.
Sadibou Marong, the director of RSF’s bureau for Sub-Saharan Africa, denounces what could be considered an “arbitrary detention,” particularly as there is no “truly transparent communication.”
Burundi ranks 114th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2023 World Press Freedom Index.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Burundi and the urgent need for international attention to safeguard press freedom and protect journalists’ rights.